Field Notes on Daughterhood and Falling Women

Anonymous

• Artist Statement

  My first poem, “field notes on daughterhood,” explores the complexities of a speaker’s relationship with their body and societal expectations tied to daughterhood. The speaker grapples with conflicting perceptions of worthiness and salvation, feeling trapped within a corroded self-image, and desiring to be seen beyond the fractures of longing and shame. The poem concludes as the speaker contronts an internal paradox: they seek validation and love but struggle with the discomfort of being perceived as someone to be pitied. My second poem meditates on the concept of “fallen women,” drawing from literary and cultural references throughout history. The juxtaposition of quotes about fallen women from Victorian literature and an Iroquois creation myth highlights contrasting portrayals of women's falls. Repetition of phrases like "so lucky" emphasize a sense of irony and sarcasm, challenging the traditional notions of luck associated with this fall from societal grace. Disjointed language mirrors the fragmented identity and ostracization often faced by women labeled as fallen. The poem captures the complexity of societal perceptions of women who deviate from accepted norms and invokes a sense of resilience and defiance in the face of societal judgment. It celebrates the strength and grace of these falling women, reframing their descent as transformation rather than condemnation. Both poems ultimately delve into the complexities of societal expectations and the struggle against predetermined roles, challenging conventional narratives surrounding gender and agency. They aim to redefine perceptions of femininity, spotlight complex female experiences, and emphasize women's agency in challenging societal norms.ntains and the endless cerulean sky.

• Creative Statement

  I use writing to fulfill a duty to myself. It is a form of catharsis, a way to explore the joys, pains, and intricacies of what it means to be human, and a way to express the unique beauty I find in the little details of day-to-day life.